Kathy Decker: Community, Education, Experience

I have proudly called Vancouver, Washington my home for the last 27 years. My husband, Mark, and I moved here from the East Coast (via Corvallis) and began our family. We have three amazing kids, ages 20 to 27, who have all been beneficiaries of VPS's positive opportunities while negotiating several obstacles VPS placed along the way.

My life before kids began in Falls Church, Virginia. I knew I wanted to teach when I was 11 years old. After attending one of the most culturally and economically integrated public high schools in the country, I graduated from The College of William and Mary with a B.A. in Elementary Education. I began living my dream of becoming a teacher immediately. Since then my extensive teaching experience spans “a few” decades, three states (plus Japan), diverse communities, and every age group from 2 to 11 years old—including multi-age classrooms.

I am often asked what grade is my favorite, and I can state reasons for each! I enjoy watching every child learn and develop into who they will become. I love interacting with the parents and helping them to navigate their child’s new stages. I relish working with colleagues to develop strategies to meet the needs of each individual child. I read with fascination the research about how children learn and how amazing their brains are. I am an education geek!

These are the passions and experiences I bring to the VPS to the school board!